The Detroit Lions will keep intact one of the NFL's best offensive lines.
The team re-signed center Dominic Raiola to a one-year deal, the Detroit Free Press reported Friday. The 13-year pro will get a significant raise after taking a pay cut last season to remain in Detroit, the Free Press reported.
The Lions announced the move later on Friday.
Raiola had arguably the best season of his NFL career as the veteran on a line full of young, solid pass blockers. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best center in 2013.
Despite being undersized, Raiola anchored the third-rated offensive line by PFF. Keeping the elder statesman will help the growth of stud rookie guard Larry Warford and left tackle Riley Reiff.
Raiola likely is better known by casual fans for his off-field controversies, including making insensitive remarks toward the University of Wisconsin marching band this season prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field -- for which he later apologized.
Keeping together one of the NFL's most consistent offensive lines is a boon for the progress of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will be under the microscope again this season.
In the latest "Around The League Podcast," the guys ponder the future in both Seattle and Denver and break down the teams who intrigue them most this offseason.
